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Activities
First Hong Kong Day in Maine
Maine Governor Paul R. LePage proclaimed May 7 the first Hong Kong Day in Maine in honor of the visit of Commissioner Tong and Director of the Hong Kong Economic & Trade Office in New York (HKETO) Anita Chan, and to recognize the 30th Anniversary of the HKETO as well as to celebrate the strong ties between Hong Kong and Maine. Details here.
First Hong Kong Day Celebrated in Boston
The Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office, New York (HKETONY) hosted the first Hong Kong Day in Boston on May 6 as part of its 30th anniversary programs. The Governor of Massachusetts Deval Patrick, gave a citation to the HKETONY to celebrate the office’s 30th anniversary and in recognition of the contributions the office made to the trade partnership between Hong Kong and the state over the years. Details here.
Stronger Ties Forged Between Hong Kong and Chicago
Hong Kong’s Secretary for Financial Services and the Treasury, Professor K. C. Chan, spoke on growing strong ties between Hong Kong and Chicago at a spring reception in Chicago on April 9 (Chicago time) organized by the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in New York (HKETONY). More than 120 guests from the business, government, academic and media sectors attended the reception. In his address, Professor Chan said the two cities shared many similarities, such as strategic locations, with Hong Kong being in the center of Asia and Chicago being in the center of the U.S., as well as enterprising people. “Our close ties can be strengthened by direct flights between the two cities,” he added. Details here.
SED visits New York
Hong Kong Secretary for Education Mr Eddie Ng Hak-kim, on March 13-16, led a delegation comprising senior officials from the Education Bureau and the Hong Kong Examinations and Assessment Authority to visit New York to promote closer educational exchanges between Hong Kong and the United States.
The Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office, New York hosted a reception in honor of Secretary Ng for university students and young professionals in the Greater New York region who are interested in pursuing further studies or career opportunities in Hong Kong. Details here.
NYETO hosts Spring Receptions in Atlanta and Miami
Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office, New York hosted Spring Receptions in Atlanta (February 25) and Miami (February 26) for local business, government, consular corps and community leaders with a view to fostering closer trade ties in the Year of the Snake. Details here.
Hong Kong’s Trade with New York and US Continues to Grow in 2012
Hong Kong’s strategic position as a premier gateway to Mainland China for overseas companies, as well as a conduit for Mainland companies to go global in reaching other markets, including the U.S. were highlighted by Hong Kong Commissioner for Economic and Trade Affairs, USA, Mr. Donald Tong, at a spring reception organized by the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office, New York (HKETONY) on February 12. Details here.
USEN outlines Hong Kong cleanup plans in New York
Under Secretary for the Environment Ms. Christine Loh outlined Hong Kong’s environmental protection initiatives at a luncheon in New York on February 7 during her brief visit to the city. The luncheon was jointly organized by the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office, New York, and Hong Kong Association of New York. More than 70 guests comprising senior executives of the business and commercial sectors attended to keep abreast of the initiatives and collaboration opportunities thus arising. Details here.
Director visits Delaware
Director of Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office, New York (HKETONY), Miss Anita Chan visited Delaware on January 30, where she held meetings with various state and city government officials, including Ms. Rebecca Faber, President of World Trade Center Wilmington; Mr. John Pastor, Director of International Trade, State of Delaware and the Mayor of Wilmington Mr. Dennis Williams. Details here.
Commissioner fosters ties in New Jersey and Pennsylvania
Hong Kong Commissioner for Economic and Trade Affairs, Mr. Donald Tong, visited New Jersey and Pennsylvania to foster closer economic, trade and business ties with the two states. Delivering a keynote speech “Fostering New Business Partnerships between New Jersey and Hong Kong” at a January 28 luncheon event, jointly organized by the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office, New York (HKETONY) and the Hong Kong Trade Development Council in downtown Trenton on January 28, where he highlighted Hong Kong’s attributes which have helped establish it as an international financial, banking and logistics center and also spoke about potential business opportunities for New Jersey businesses. Details here.
HKETONY to celebrate 30th anniversary
The Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office, New York (HKETONY), celebrates its 30th anniversary this year. To commemorate this special occasion, Director of HKETONY, Miss Anita Chan unveiled a specially designed logo – capturing the important role of the HKETONY as a bridge between Hong Kong and the U.S. – at a January 28, 2013 press conference. Details here.
Gateway Role Highlighted at First “Hong Kong Day” in Mississippi
Hong Kong’s role as a business gateway to the markets of Mainland China and Asia as well as potential trade partnerships between Hong Kong and Mississippi were key topics discussed when the Hong Kong Commissioner for Economic and Trade Affairs, USA, Mr. Donald Tong, met with the Governor of the State of Mississippi, Mr. Phil Bryant on January 23. Mr. Bryant proclaimed January 23, 2013 as “Hong Kong Day” in honour of Mr. Tong’s first official visit to the state. In his proclamation he noted that Hong Kong remains a global financial and logistics hub and “a vibrant city with a rich culture blending the best of East and West”. Details here.
Director forges closer Hong Kong – Detroit ties
Hong Kong’s close business partnership with the U.S. and the city’s unique role to help U.S. businesses expand into China and the rest of Asia were highlighted by Director of Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office, New York, Miss Anita Chan, during her first official visit to Detroit, Michigan in on December 19-20. Details here.
Hong Kong welcomes architectural, design talents and input from US and worldwide
Hong Kong is continuing to embark on large-scale development and redevelopment projects that will require architectural and design talents and input from all over the world including the United States, Director of Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office, New York (HKETONY), Miss Anita Chan said at a Hong Kong architectural exhibition opening ceremony. Speaking at the Reception of "Hong Kong at 15: Redefining the Public Realm" exhibition at The Centre for Architecture in New York on December 10, Miss Chan cited the Kowloon East District and West Kowloon Cultural District (WKCD) development projects as examples that the 300-strong audience who are mostly prominent architects and designers should keep in their radar screens. Details here.
HKETONY Hosts Hong Kong Film Series in Chicago
A month-long “Hong Kong!” Film Series, co-presented by the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office New York (HKETONY) and the prestigious Gene Siskel Film Center in Chicago, will run through December 5. It forms part of the cultural programs to celebrate the 15th anniversary of the establishment of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region.The film festival was kicked off with the Chicago premiere screening of the award winning “Life Without Principle” – Hong Kong’s entry in the 85th Oscar Best Foreign Language Film Award at Gene Siskel Film Center on November 9 (Chicago time). Details here.
Gala orchestra concert plays to full house audience
The Gala Orchestra Concert of the Manhattan Hong Kong Music Festival played to a full-house audience on November 2, at the Borden Auditorium at Manhattan School of Music. More than 800 members of the audience were enchanted by the mix of western classics, Hong Kong’s exciting composition and the most familiar Chinese work to the Western audience, “The Butterfly Violin Concerto” performed by MSM’s Symphony Orchestra under the baton of Festival Artistic Director Professor Johnny M Poon. Hong Kong’s eminent soprano Yuki Ip also delighted the audience with Mozart’s and Stravinsky’s beloved arias while internationally renowned violinist Chuan-yun Li was a soloist of the Concerto. The music festival is co-presented by the Hong Kong Arts Development Council (HKADC) and the Manhattan School of Music (MSM), and supported by the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in New York (HKETONY). Details here.
Commissioner calls on governors of Connecticut, Massachusetts
Spurring greater economic cooperation and promoting trade ties were topics discussed during a mid-October visit and calls on governors by Hong Kong Commissioner for Economic and Trade Affairs, USA Donald Tong to the two Northeastern states of Connecticut and Massachusetts. Details here.
Director Chan meets with students from Darla Moore School of Business
Director of Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office, New York , Miss Anita Chan, met with undergraduate students and faculty members from University of South Carolina's Darla Moore School of Business at office on Oct 19. The 37 students, some from Hong Kong as exchange students, all shared a common interest in business in Hong Kong and China. Miss Chan spoke about close business ties between Hong Kong and and the U.S.. Highlighting the unique "One Country, Two Systems" principle, she explained the fundamental strengths that make the city the world's freest economy.
Speech contest raises American university students’ interest in Hong Kong
The college students who competed in the Hong Kong Cup Chinese Speech Contest in New York City on October 13, agreed that their interest in and understanding of the city has heightened, and all looked forward to visiting Hong Kong. In her welcome remarks, Miss Anita Chan, Director of the HKETONY, said this year’s contest takes on special meaning as Hong Kong celebrates the 15th anniversary of the establishment of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region. Details here.
Director emphasises Hong Kong's strategic role at symposium
Director of Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in New York, Miss Anita Chan, attended and spoke at the Alabama China Partnership Fall Symposium in Monroeville, the Literary Capital of Alabama, on September 26. She emphasised the strategic role and established strengths of Hong Kong as an important and useful platform for Chinese companies to go global. Details here.
Director speaks on business opportunities in Chicago
More than 50 members of the Chicago business community attended the September 13 kick-off of the “Think Asia, Think Hong Kong” event, organized by the Hong Kong Business Association of the Midwest, Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office, New York and the Hong Kong Trade Development Council. The event also marks the 15th anniversary of the establishment of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region. Details here.
Announcements
Scholarship for Prospective English Teachers (2013/14)
IMF Reaffirms Support for Linked Exchange Rate System and Hong Kong Policies Safeguarding Economic, Financial Stability
In its Staff Report on Hong Kong released today to elaborate on the assessment in the Preliminary Conclusions released on December 12, 2012, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) reiterated that the Linked Exchange Rate system remains the best arrangement for Hong Kong and commended the Government’s pre-emptive efforts to safeguard financial stability. Details here.
Hong Kong Chief Executive Delivers Maiden Policy Address.
In his first Policy Address since taking office on July 1, 2012, Hong Kong Chief Executive C Y Leung laid out plans to tackle a variety of issues, including housing and land supply, the environment, poverty and an aging population. Mr. Leung said that to tackle the challenges ahead, Hong Kong had to achieve sustained economic growth. Details here.
Hong Kong Ranked World’s Freest Economy for 19th Consecutive Year
The acting Financial Secretary, Professor K C Chan, today welcomed the ranking of Hong Kong as the freest economy in the world for the 19th consecutive year by the Heritage Foundation. According to the 2013 “Index of Economic Freedom,” Hong Kong scores 89.3 (on a scale from 0 to 100), well above the global average of 59.6. Details here.
Asia Pacific Regional Office of Hague Conference Opens in Hong Kong
The setting up of the new Asia Pacific Regional Office of the Hague Conference on Private International Law in Hong Kong not only marks a new chapter for the Hague Conference but also constitutes a significant vote of confidence in Hong Kong’s position both as a regional legal services center and as a springboard for the Hague Conference to further develop its work and extend its influence in the region, the Secretary for Justice, Rimsky Yuen, SC, said. Details here.
Hong Kong Tops World Economic Forum’s Financial Development Index
With a score of 5.31 (on a scale of 1 to 7), Hong Kong ranks first for the second consecutive year in the “Financial Development Index” released by the World Economic Forum (WEF) in its 2012 Financial Development Report. Details here.
Hong Kong Technological Product Wins International Award
EasyHear, a Hong Kong technological product, scooped the Chairman’s Award in the World Information Technology Services Alliance (WITSA) Global ICT Excellence Awards 2012 at the World Congress on Information Technology (WCIT) in Montreal. Details here.
More Overseas and Mainland Companies Using Hong Kong as Their Regional Command and Control Center
The number of business operations in Hong Kong with parent companies overseas and in Mainland China reached an all-time high of 7,250 in 2012, up by 4.3 per cent from a year ago, according to the results of an annual survey released by Invest Hong Kong and the Census and Statistics Department. Details here.
Hong Kong Remains World’s Freest Economy Cato Institute Releases 16th Report on Global Economic Freedom
Hong Kong remains the world’s freest economy according to the findings of the Economic Freedom of the World: 2012 Annual Report. The report is co-published by the Cato Institute, Canada’s Fraser Institute and think tanks around the world. Details here.
Port Facilities and Light Dues Incentive Scheme for Ocean Going Vessels Using Cleaner Fuel while Berthing in Hong Kong
Hong Kong will introduce a 3-year incentive scheme that reduces by half the port facilities and light dues for ocean going vessels that switch to cleaner fuel when at berth in Hong Kong waters. Details here.
Hong Kong Ranked World’s Most Competitive Economy
Hong Kong has been ranked the world’s most competitive economy for the second consecutive year according to the International Institute for Management Development (IMD) “World Competitiveness Yearbook” 2012. Details here.
Invest Hong Kong Ranked Top in Asia in World Bank Global Survey
Invest Hong Kong (InvestHK) was ranked sixth in the world and the only Asian investment promotion agency in the global top 10 for inquiry handling, according to the latest Global Investment Promotion Benchmarking (GIPB) survey by the World Bank Group. Details here.
Hague Conference to establish Asia Pacific Region Office in Hong Kong
Hong Kong's Secretary for Justice, Mr. Wong Yan Lung, SC, today (April 27) warmly welcomed the endorsement by the Council on General Affairs and Policy of the Hague Conference on Private International Law at its meeting from April 17 to 20, 2012 of the establishment of an Asia Pacific Regional Office in Hong Kong. "The Hague Conference's decision is a significant vote of confidence in Hong Kong's position as a regional legal services centre by an international institution of high repute. With our world-class legal professionals and infrastructure, Hong Kong is an ideal springboard for the Hague Conference to develop its work and extend its influence in the region," Mr Wong said. Details here.
Fair Winds Charter signed for cleaner air
Seventeen freight liners have signed up to the Fair Winds Charter and committed themselves to switching to cleaner fuel when berthing in Hong Kong. This will cut emissions of air pollutants substantially near the port area. Details here.
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